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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the 26th Knesset would be sworn in today, describing his country's democratic stability as a source of pride. Saar noted that Israeli democracy has managed to maintain its stability throughout the state's 78-year history despite continuous conditions of war and terrorism.

Saar recalled that he was first elected to the 16th Knesset at the age of 36 and had served in every Knesset since then, except for the 20th. He said he would take the oath for the tenth time with the words "I pledge." He noted that he had been elected eight times as a Likud member of parliament and twice representing the New Hope–National Right party, which he founded.

Describing his return to Likud as a return to his political home, Saar expressed satisfaction at once again representing Israel's largest and most important party. He recalled being elected chairman of the Likud parliamentary faction during his first term, noting that the period when the faction consisted of 40 lawmakers was among the most significant of his parliamentary career.

Saar also stated that during his parliamentary service through the 25th Knesset, he voted against the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and the legislation enacted to implement that process.